(Hybrid Beardtongue, Hybrid Penstemon, Pink Chablis Penstemon)

Bright pink blossoms held in greater abundance plus amore tidy compact form gives this moisture resistant penstemon a new place in perennial gardens. Bred in Oregon, it is derived from the Saskatoon hybrids which resulted from crosses of Penstemon barbatus and a handful of other species which contribute both drought and moisture tolerance. This variety is particularly useful in the Northwest where excessive winter rains cause many penstemons to suffer root rot. Its shorter stature and more...

(Hybrid Beardtongue, Prairie Dusk Hybrid Beardtongue)

A product of the penstemon breeding program of the University of Nebraska, this compact and distinctly sophisticated rose-violet-flowered perennial is a hybrid of ‘Flathead Lake,’ which figures in the ancestry of many of the finest western garden penstemons. A dalliance with the Rocky Mountain native Penstemon strictus produced this truly superior cultivar, whose spires of sharkshead-shaped flowers appear from late spring into summer. The knee-high flower stems arise from an evergreen basal...

(Hybrid Beardtongue)

Bearing haunting white-throated lavender-blue flowers on compact stems over a long season, this evergreen herbaceous perennial is also notable for its adaptability to a diversity of climates. One of a number of outstanding penstemon hybrids developed by renowned plant breeder Bruce Meyers, Shadow Mountain® produces spires of chubby bell-shaped flowers from summer to fall. The relatively short flower stems arise from a shrubby base furnished with glossy lance-shaped leaves.

A favorite of hummingbirds,...

(Hybrid Beardtongue)

You'll easily become passionate about the strong purple, white-throated flowers of this outstanding perennial. One of the so-called border penstemons – a group of large-flowered, long-blooming hybrids whose lineage includes several Mexican species and one from the Midwest United States – it bears branching spires of chubby bell-shaped flowers from late spring to fall (and longer in mild climates). The thigh-high flower stems arise from a shrubby base furnished with glossy lance-shaped evergreen leaves....

(Hybrid Beardtongue)

This bright red penstemon stands up stiff and tall like the most outstanding European cut flowers. That’s not a surprise because it was developed in the Netherlands, the heart of cut flower territory, where unnamed penstemons with such characteristics were crossed to create the ultimate form. The goal was to create a more compact form, brighter flower color and stronger stems than the popular hybrid,‘Red Knight’. This cultivar is widely planted in Britain but is just catching on here in the States...

(Hybrid Beardtongue)

This a super red bedding penstemon developed in England that may prove more adaptable to cool, moist climates than many American hybrids. It is grouped in the border penstemons, hybrids derived from four species native to the western United States and Mexico. For most, their ancestry is murky at best. Likewise ‘Ruby,’ which is a smart, upstanding selection that lacks cold hardiness, a trait that dictates its use primarily as a seasonal bedding plant. It is fast growing, clumping, and has narrow,...

(Hybrid Beardtongue)

Stately stalks of brilliant red, white-throated flowers give this seed-grown perennial a regal presence in the garden. One of the so-called border penstemons – a group of large-flowered, long-blooming hybrids whose lineage includes several Mexican species and one from the Midwest United States – it bears branching spires of chubby bell-shaped flowers from late spring to fall (and longer in mild climates). The thigh-high flower stems arise from a shrubby base furnished with glossy lance-shaped evergreen...

(Hybrid Beardtongue)

This hardy perennial offers glorious purple flowers from early to late summer. It is a Penstemon gloxinia hybrid with generous blooms and an improved tolerance for summer moisture.

The large tubular flowers are purple with open throats marked with darker purple and white—perfect for a soft Mediterranean planting palette. These appear along upright leafy stems that rise from a neat clump of basal foliage. Before plants bloom, they can be pinched back to encourage more basal branching....

(Hybrid Beardtongue)

Flowering heavily in an intriguing medley of lavenders and blues, this penstemon is a near perfect perennial for gardens on the dry side. One of the so-called border penstemons – a group of large-flowered, long-blooming hybrids developed in Europe – it bears branching spires of chubby bell-shaped flowers from late spring to fall (and longer in mild climates). The relatively compact, knee-high flower stems arise from a shrubby base furnished with glossy lance-shaped evergreen leaves.

A favorite...

(Hybrid Beardtongue)

Recently introduced by Jelitto Seeds, this compact, bright-flowered evergreen herbaceous perennial is also notable for its longevity and its adaptability to a diversity of climates. A seed-grown cultivar related to the so-called Mexicali hybrids, 'Sunburst Ruby' produces densely flowered spires of tubular lipstick-red blooms from early summer to fall. Their white throats add to their beauty and charm. The compact flower stems arise from a shrubby base furnished with glossy lance-shaped leaves.

A...